A PROJECT involving young people in Cowlersley is a victim of its own success.

Forty children who attended a new youth group in Cowlersley are "homeless" because their premises at the community centre are being refurbished.

Members of Cowlersley Chill have been offered alternative premises at the local junior school while the work at the centre is carried out.

But the school can only accommodate 20 people, not the usual 60.

Neighbourhood warden Andrew Gledhill, who runs the club with colleague Brendan McDermott, said they had to operate on a first come, first served basis.

"It has been really popular, a lot more popular than we expected - and we have done it all for just £500," he said.

It was back in May, 2003, that they were asked to make links with young people in the area a priority.

"The children are very inventive, creative and vocal. They all hold strong opinions about what they need and want in the area," said Mr Gledhill.

"It was agreed that what they needed was some kind of forum in which they could express their ideas, opinions and feelings and make some of the local decision-makers sit up and take notice of what they wanted and how they felt about decisions that affected them."

The first forum was held last August. The young people soon took charge of the meetings and decided to change the name to The Cowlersley Chill.

But they wanted it to be different from a traditional youth club. They wanted it to be run by themselves and wanted to provide workshops and events.

They put together a constitution and a bid for cash - and in November they opened their doors.

With £500 from the Neighbourhood Renewal fund they hired the room, bought a TV and PlayStation 2 and opened twice a week.

They are also working with Andy Penny, of Fab Records, to set up their own internet radio station called Chill FM and start up a dance and drama group.

Following the club's success, Mr Gledhill and Mr McDermott have been asked to hold a workshop at a neighbourhood wardens' national conference in September.

The pair are now looking to pass on responsibility for maintaining the club.